I really enjoyed this defence of the right to strike by former General Secretary of the CWU (Royal Mail union) and Labour Home Secretary, Alan Johnson. He was in a Radio 4 debate with a right wing economist who believed that workers should not be allow…Read more…
“Mum quits NHS pension to pay soaring bills before dying leaving orphaned kids penniless”
Hat tip Daily Mirror on this awful story of NHS Cleaner Judith Thorpe, who cancelled her pension due to rising bills and then later died from Covid last month. She was a widow supporting her 16 and 13 year old children.Since she cancelled her pens…Read more…
Newham Voices – September 2022 (Three Mills Tragedy)
Just read the latest edition of the excellent Community newsletter https://newhamvoices.co.uk/. The article on page 11 on the “tragic story of heroism at the Three Mills Distillery” was really informative. The “Helping Hands Memorial” at the…Read more…
Table Mountain walk (South Wales)
I have had a busy summer walking wise but have not posted on many of the great walks that Gill and I have been on recently. This 5 mile circular Pathfinder walk from Crickhowell, South Wales was marvellous. Quite tough on a hot summer day but the views…Read more…
West Ham Labour informal social – good to meet up again
Picture from an informal social of West Ham CLP members that I happened to have in my phone’s contact list. Apologies for those I missed out on the invitation. Let me know for next time. There was about 25 members who came and went. As you w…Read more…
“Topping out” at Leather Gardens, West Ham
I know Councillors love having their picture taken in hard hats and hi-vis (even if they don’t always fit that well) but I really enjoyed this “topping out” the other week with the Mayor laying the final brick.But the main reason for my plea…Read more…
Wedding of Anika with Naim
I was honoured to be a guest this evening at the wedding of the eldest daughter Anika of my Newham colleague, Cllr Abul Bashar Syed (also a fellow Union activist with the CWU) and Mrs Niheli Syeda (Shemoli). It was a lovely meal and great to meet …Read more…
How would Labour’s energy plan help you?
No tax breaks for millionaire and instead help everyone? Read more…
Pledge yes to the nhs
The government won’t move on NHS pay, from Thursday, tell your NHS staff in England to pledge yes and show them we’re serious. www.NHSpay.orgRead more…
UNISON activist: Solidarity with St Monica strikers
Care staff announce new strike dates over pay, says UNISONWorkers at St Monica Trust plan 48-hour walkout and two-day strike in AugustCare workers, registered nurses and residential home staff employed by Bristol-based St Monica Trust will take f…Read more…
UNISON urges caution over new pension scheme (collective defined contribution)
UNISON is 100% right to be careful about this new “CDC” (Collective Defined Contribution Scheme) however, it should not be seen as a replacement for decent existing pension schemes but a realistic option for the so many workers in the UK, who hav…Read more…
Charles I: Killing a King
Last week I watched all 3 programmes on BBC iPlayer about the trial and execution of Charles 1. A mix of traditional factual historical presenting with clips of actors playing the main characters. The killing of a King following a lega…Read more…
UNISON-supported legal victory secures new holiday rights for all workers
Supreme Court judgment guarantees minimum paid annual leaveAll workers in the UK will now receive the same minimum level of paid annual holiday leave, regardless of how many hours they work, following a landmark legal judgment by the Supreme Cour…Read more…
St Stephens Road, West Ham ASB Walkabout
Picture college from a “Walkabout” I went on in my Council ward, West Ham, with local residents and Council officers last week. There are a number of serious ASB issues in the locality and while it was very disappointing that a number of Council …Read more…
UNISON Greater London branch Circular – August 2022
Welcome to the new branch update! Dear Branch Secretary, Welcome to the new Branch Secretary monthly update! …Read more…
Newham Voices – “Act now over child poverty crisis – MP”
Check out the latest edition of our excellent community Newspaper “Newham Voices” Read more…
Unionreps Connect 2022 – 6 October 2022
A brand a new learning event for union reps – learn from experts ● share your experience ● connect with repsAbout this eventWhat are the big issues facing workplaces and unions? How can union reps best support their members? Come join hundre…Read more…
Newham Council Meeting – 1 August 2022
At @NewhamLondon Full Council meeting. This meeting replaces the one cancelled due to extreme heat a fortnight ago. There was a fascinating presentation by Sir David King, former Government’s Chief Scientific Advisor on the climate change emergency fo…Read more…
Keep British meat safe
FSA changes will remove many daily onsite inspections, not only putting jobs at risk, but undermining the integrity of the meat the British public eats every day https://www.unison.org.uk/news/articl…Read more…
Chesham & Little Missenden walk & history
A fantastic collage from last Sunday’s 9 miles walk with Gill around Chesham and Little Missenden in the Chilterns. I want to concentrate on this blog more on the history and politics of the places we visit, rather than the beautiful scenery…Read more…